percussion woes
Well, I survived the eighth grade percussion section, kind of. One of my biggest pet peeves as a soon-to-be music teacher, is that percussionists - no matter how much attention or challenges you give them - NEVER behave!!! Especially middle school percussionists!!!I've been brainstorming all day how/why these kids fight, run, talk loudly, play while SCT is talking, not practice, not listen, and the list goes on. I noticed at the Tuesday rehearsal that they started to easily find SCT's weak points, and somehow they discovered mine instantly. Here's what's happening:
- large classroom (about 50' by 70' or so)
- been in back of the band
- I can't take full control (this could be a problem for me - but no one has really had control yet)
- five of the six have formed their "pack" early on
- the sixth student is being excluded often by the other five
- there are thirty-five other students who are demanding other attention
- stubborn about playing other percussion instruments
- saying they're too old to play marimba (it's for sixth graders)
- don't have time to bring them recordings of phenomenal percussionists
- they don't seem to realize how vital they are in the band.
My solutions so far (that haven't worked):
- stay in their area while SCT teaches
- tell them to settle down (just gets them going more)
- thanking them for good behavior when they do it (well, it worked for all but two of them)
- separate the trouble-makers from each other
- moving into their comfort zone (standing closer to them than normal - except that these kids have no sense of a personal bubble)
- play in their section
- explain that it's good to try new instruments.
My solutions that have worked:
- stand between the two trouble makers while they play
- force them to switch between instruments
- tap a drumstick on the back of a chair (is this allowed? it let them know I meant business, but still, I wouldn't like it)
- have them help setup and teardown
SCT has some ideas for their sectional on Tuesday afternoon that will hopefully help. Right now, the way that they are behaving is horrible, and I cannot stand being near them - I don't want to go on the podium with their behavior the way that it is. I know that I should give the positive reinforcement for positive behavior thing another try - that seems to be helping. Plus, I just realized that they played me into their attention-seeking game. Maybe I'll let them know that me playing in their section is a priveledge and that if they don't behave I'll go into another section.
On a positive note though, one trombone player today was playing while SCT was talking (eighth grader). The personal bubble trick worked with him and he stopped playing instantly! We talked a little and he said he was still listening and I told him that hearing him play while SCT was talking was distracting for others. He sat up instantly and paid attention the rest of the period. It was beautiful.
I guess what worries me the most about teaching is that I want to maintain a rather strict atmosphere, and I've seen it done. But, I don't want to be overly strict or harsh. I know that there are ways to be a pacifist and keep the peace in classroom war-fare. Sometimes I worry that I'm using too much of a maternal instinct with the students; I want to nurture their learning in a positive environment but I also don't want to lose control either.
(ironic note - I've been listening to Stan Kenton's West Side Story while driving today - love the trumpets - and I just clicked on Launch in my browser, and guess what I'm listening to again - Stan Kenton's West Side Story)
Lesson schedule is posted, marching squads are posted, music is handed out, field show is choreographed, and tomorrow is Friday. For the third day in a row, SCT let me sneak out early - this time at 2:30 pm (the earliest ever). Tomorrow I'll have to stick around though to load the band truck for pep band. I like his system and I hope to be able to follow it eventually. They load up a district owned van on Friday afternoon 8th hour and after school. Students take their instruments to the game on the van or on their own. We all arrive at 6:15 for pep band, unload the van, play, load the van after half-time, and leave. Van is parked at school over the weekend (rural Wisconsin - it's rare to see people keep doors locked here) and is unloaded 1st hour Monday morning. I like this system - students are more accountable and it's easier on the teacher.
posted by Amanda @ 3:39 PM
1 Comments:
As a manager-fgiure to teenagers, my restaurant owner told me the key was to earn their respect and they'll listen to you. The trick is figuring out how to get the rerspect ;o) Don't ask me, I don't know yet!
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